METAIRIE – Apparently all the hubbub about the New Orleans Saints kicker tryouts last week wasn’t for nothing. The team signed one Wednesday, albeit a week later, rounding out their practice squad by adding former Buffalo Bill Dustin Hopkins.

“He opened some eyes the other day when he kicked. He did a good job,” Saints head coach Sean Payton said.

The Saints, Payton said, had a good grade on Hopkins, whom the Bills selected in the sixth round of the 2013 draft out of Florida State. Hopkins ultimately beat out veteran kicker Rian Lindell for their starting job last season. However, Hopkins sustained a groin injury, spending all of last season on injured reserve.

Then, after an extended rehab, Hopkins was beaten out by Dan Carpenter and ultimately released prior to the start of the season having never kicked in a regular season game.

Payton had no problem justifying the move, though, especially given the expansion of the practice squad from eight to 10 players this season.

“You’re really trying to acquire the best group of players you have,” he said. “So from a numbers standpoint it is pretty easy for us to do.”

Though teams rarely store kickers on the practice squad, the Saints could have an eye on the future with the acquisition of Hopkins.

When asked if his signing means he’s in the Saints’ future plans, Hopkins said, “I hope it does. Who knows?...

“I’m glad to be here,” the Houston native boasted.

The Saints were his first and only tryout since being released.

Current Saints placekicker Shayne Graham is 37 years old and playing on a one-year deal.

Still, Graham is having a good season, converting on 19-of-22 attempts. However, he could be on thin ice after missing a field goal in each of the past two games, including a 51-yarder against Chicago, where he slipped.

Payton was asked if the wet conditions in the Windy City contributed to the miss. “The footing was good,” he sniped back.